506498 - GENERAL BIOCHEMISTRY A

courses

ID:

506498

Duration (hours):

87.5

CFU:

SSD:

BIOCHIMICA

Year:

2025

Date/time interval

Primo Semestre (01/10/2025 - 16/01/2026)

Course Objectives

In the Biochemistry, Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology modules the structure-function relationships of biological molecules, signalling pathways and metabolism are illustrated.
Through the knowledge of how molecules and cells work, the chemical processes that define them, and how they interact with one another, students will get an in-depth insight into how cells and tissues function in health and sickness and how we can use that knowledge to understand the basis of treatments for diseases. Thus, the course is crucial and will pave the way for a molecular approach to physiology, pathology and pharmacology courses.

Course Prerequisites

In-depth knowledge of chemistry are preparatory to Biochemistry Course

Teaching Methods

Teaching consists of frontal lectures using Power-Point presentations. The slides shown during lectures, the detailed program and additional information are available in the KIRO platform. Lecturers are available for any clarifications upon request.

Assessment Methods

The exam is written including multiple choice questions and open questions on the topics covered in the lectures of the Biochemistry, Cellular Biochemistry and Molecular Biology modules. The exam lasts 90 min. During assessment it will be evaluated how the student has integrated the knowledge acquired in the three modules in which the course is divided as well as the level of achievement of the educational objectives in terms of knowledge and understanding. Communication skills and use of appropriate scientific terminology will be evaluated during assessment.

Texts

D. Nelson, M. Cox
Lehninger PRINCIPLES OF BIOCHEMISTRY. 6th or 7th edition.
ISBN-10: 1464109621; ISBN-13: 978-1464109621

J. Berg, J. Tymoczko, L. Stryer
BIOCHEMISTRY 7th edition.
ISBN-10: 071676766X; ISBN-13: 978-0716767664

Biochemistry module Following the structure and properties of amino acids, the structure and function of proteins are considered with reference to the main protein classes; then, fundamentals of catalysis and enzyme properties and mechanisms are discussed. The structure and properties of carbohydrates and lipids, including glycoproteins, glycolipids and glycosaminoglycans are presented. The structure and function of nucleic acids terminate the structural part of the course. Metabolism is introduced by a discussion of the principles governing metabolism including bioenergetics, compartmentalization, and the operation and control of pathways. Major metabolic pathways of carbohydrate metabolism are discussed. This is followed by oxidative metabolism and lipid metabolism (i.e., triglycerides, phospholipids and sterols). Then, the metabolism of amino acids, porphyrins and nucleotides are developed. Finally the synthesis of ATP by oxidative phosphorylation is considered. After taking into account the distinct metabolic pathways, their integration, hormonal regulation and tissue-specific metabolism are described. For selected course topics, chosen for their particular relevance and in light of recent scientific discoveries, students will be required to present and discuss in class articles published in international scientific journals.